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2013 BMW M6 GranCoupe
 
After unveiling the 6-Series Gran Coupe at the end of 2011, BMW has started testing the most powerful version in the series: the M6 Gran Coupe. Interested buyers will have to wait until the end of 2012 before actually laying their eyes on it, but we can assure you that it will be worth the wait. As with any other M6 model in BMW’s line-up, the Gran Coupe will be distinguished by a more aggressive and sportier look compared to the standard model. The list of changes will include more aggressive front and rear fascias with the usual M-type elements, larger wheels, and, of course, a quad-exhaust system. As far as power goes, the M6 Gran Coupe will be powered by the same turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine found in the M6 Coupe with about 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque on tap. What’s better is that BMW will be offering the M6 Gran Coupe in both coupe and convertible versions. Updated 02/29/2012: The upcoming BMW M6 Gran Coupe has been spotted during cold weather testing in Scandinavia. TopSpeed’s Best of 2011: Sportscar of the Year
Before we even get into the top list of sportscar for 2011, we think it would be best to clear something up: the new Porsche 911 would have definitely made the list if it wasn’t for the fact that it won’t be hitting Stateside until 2013. That being said, we have a few top hitters for 2011 that we would be foolish not to take notice of. It was a battle trying to choose between the plethora of options provided in the sports car segment, but what we ended up with was a range of 450 HP to 560 HP, 0-60 mph sprint times between 4.6 seconds and 3.7 seconds, and speeds topping out between 186 mph and 198 mph. Among the sportscar heavyweights is the intoxicating Jaguar XKR-S, the luscious BMW M5, the curvaceous Chevolet Camaro Z06, and the maddening Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale. Hit the jump to check out each of these scintillating sports cars in detail. Full story 2014 BMW M4 Coupe
The future of the BMW 3-Series has been altered significantly this past year, with the announcement of a new name for the coupe and convertible versions of the luxury car. From now on, these two variants will be sold under the 4-Series nomenclature, meaning that the M version will be sold as the M4. We’ve only been able to see some spy shots of the 4-Series Coupe , but that doesn’t mean that we can’t put pen to paper to conjure up the look of the future M4 Coupe. For this we’ve taken BMW’s usual M-design elements like the front bumper, LED headlights, a wide track, and different side air intakes and added it to the 4-Series images. What won’t be easily visible in this image is what’s found under the hood. The new BMW M4 will be dropping the usual V8 engine used in the M3 models and will replace it with a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with an output of about 450 HP. This will allow the M4 to be both more powerful and more fuel efficient than that the M3. Expect to see the new BMW M4 a few months after the 4-Series coupe set to be launched in 2013. TopSpeed’s Best of 2011: Coupe of the Year
Last year’s picks for the coupe of the year raged a war between the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, but this year things are a bit different. In fact, neither one of these muscle cars made the list, simply because the new Camaro ZL1 isn’t available for purchase just yet. With the two major muscle cars out of the running, we were still left with a ton of vehicles worthy of some time in the spotlight. Our choices for the top coupes of 2011 are kind of all over the place. From the Audi TT-RS’ return to the States to the Lotus Exige S and its road-going capabilities on the other side of the pond, there’s pretty much a flavor for anybody. In fact, if we’ve missed one of your favorites, make sure to hit us up. Hit the jump for our picks for the 2011 Coupe of the Year, in alphabetical order. Full story BMW M3 CRT gets the title for the fastest M car on the circuit
 Right before Christmas, German magazine Autobild gave themselves a little present: they took all of the current BMW M models and tested them on the circuit to see which one was the fastest. All of the tests were done on the Sachsenring circuit in Germany and, surprising or not, the fastest model turned out to be the M3 CRT (E90). In fact, according to Autobild, not only was it the fastest from all the models tested, it was also the fastest M Car they have ever tested on the Sachsenring. The M3 CRT lapped the circuit in 1:38.87 , closely followed by the M5 with a lap time of 1:38.90 and the 1-Series M Coupe with a time of 1:40.18. The list continues with the M3 in coupe, sedan, and convertible forms and ends with the X6M and X5M. Both SUVs were faster than the old E60 M5. And just for fun, Autobild also brought a Porsche Panamera Turbo S and a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG to the test. Hit the jump to see the official lap times. Full story Playboy’s Cars of the Year 2012
We don’t usually associate Playboy with cars, unless scantily clad women were somehow involved, but the American men’s magazine has just unveiled the top 11 hottest models people should buy in 2012. Now guys can really say they are picking up Playboy’s latest issue for the articles! The top spot for this honorable list goes to none other than the fastest production Jaguar ever built - the XKR-S! But next to this remarkable sports car is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the Fiat 500, the Range Rover Evoque, the Lexus CT 200h, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the Bentley Continental GTC, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, the Audi A7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, and the Hyundai Veloster. There are certainly many fabulous vehicles to choose from on this list - and some not so fabulous vehicles - so do you agree with the top spot? Let us know in the comments section below! Video: BMW 640d M Sport Review
Right after unveiling the new 6-Series Coupe, BMW unveiled its M-Sport package to jazz up the coupe that much more. British magazine, Fifth Gear, then went out to test whether the added package was worthy of the added price tag. When equipped with the M-Sport package, the BMW 6-Series gets special M-Sport elements, including a new front bumper, rear diffuser, side skirts, wheels, and dark chrome tail pipes. Fifth Gear tested the 640d model, specifically, which means they were working with a twin turbocharged diesel powerplant that delivers a total of 313 HP and 464 lbs-ft of torque. This engine allows the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph. It delivers a fuel economy of 51.4 mpg. Fifth Gear’s conclusion was that the BMW 640d M-Sport is an incredible mixture of power, fuel economy, luxury, and excitement. Too bad we won’t be seeing the diesel coupe on our side of the pond anytime soon, if ever. 2011 BMW MH3 V8 RS Clubsport by Manhart Racing
Manhart Racing is keen on BMW models, a statement that can easily be backed up with mentions of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe by Manhart Racing, the BMW M6XR by Manhart Racing, and the BMW M3 E92 Compressor by Manhart Racing, which all received amazing power upgrades from the German tuner. The next lucky Beamer to get worked over is the BMW M3, which received a power boost to the tune of 750 HP! Manhart Racing achieved the dramatic boost in power by replacing the M3’s standard 4.0 liter V8 engine with the 4.4 liter V8 used in the X6 M. The X6M’s engine already delivers 555 HP, but after adding a biturbo system, it can now pump out 750 HP and 671 lb-ft of torque. This final output is even more impressive considering the standard M3 "only" delivers 420 HP. As a result, the modified M3 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 mph. In order to handle the extra power, the engine was updated with modified turbochargers, a larger charging air cooler, and reinforced pistons and rods. The car was also equipped with a new titanium-produced exhaust system with two racing catalysers and four 80 millimeter end tubes, and a new brake system. As if the insane power boost wasn’t enough, Manhart Racing also worked on the exterior, adding in-house carbon car body parts, a cowl made of ultra-light but highly resilient composite material, a new trunk lid in CSL design, an adjustable front spoiler with sword, carbon fiber wheels, side sills, and a tail diffuser. The final touch for the exterior was provided by a new set of 20" wheels with 255/30ZR20er Continental Sport Contact 5 high performance tires. The interior was also given a few touches here and there with a BMW performance steering wheel with illuminated switching rockers, in-house carbon full-shell seats, a carbon fiber package, and a Wiechers roll cage with back and flank protection. The orange and black color combination may be off-putting to some, but the BMW MH3 V8 RS Clubsport by Manhart Racing could be painted puke green and we’d still rock it. It’s just that cool. 2012 BMW M3 Frozen Dark Blue
In the past few months, BMW has unveiled a number of "M3 Frozen" editions - the M3 Frozen Black Edition and the M3 "Frozen Silver" Competition Edition are the most recent - and now they’ve unveiled one more, this time for the German market. The BMW M3 Frozen Dark Blue will be priced at 95,555 euro, or about $125,000 at the current exchange rates. By comparison, the M3 "Frozen Silver" Competition Edition offered for the US market is priced at $81,060. The M3 Frozen Dark Blue will be offered with a double-clutch transmission and Competition Package that adds a lowered suspension (ride height is reduced 10mm), light alloy wheels, a specially developed ’sport’ mode (part of the Electronic Damping Control), and a revised stability control program. The car has also received a new set of 19" wheels in styling 359M. If anyone is interested in the cost of the Frozen Blue paint, that alone is priced at 3,050 euros ($3,984), while the other options add up to about 25,830 euro ($33,750). Spy Shots: Future BMW M3 takes to Public Roads
 The next generation BMW M3 sedan has been caught testing around the Nurburgring race track a couple of times, but the folks over at BMW have now moved on to public roads. These latest spy shots reveal even more details, including those wide fenders. The future M3 may still be heavily camouflaged, but we already know that it will feature a new design language leaning more towards aggressiveness and sportiness. The wider fenders stand out, as do the big air intakes in the front bumper. BMW have also added bigger brakes and quad exhaust pipes in typical M fashion. As far as power goes, we’ve heard a number of rumors surrounding the engine for the future M3. Four different engine were rumored, including both V6 and V8 variations, but the most interesting is the tri-turbo theory. BMW recently filed a new patent for electric-powered turbocharger technology, which suggests the future M3 will be powered by a fresh 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine equipped with three turbos – one powered by electricity, rather than the exhaust gases. This new engine could deliver up to 450 HP.
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